South African minister calls on rugby bosses to quit

The South African sports minister and the head of the Olympic committee have demanded the resignations of leading figures in the country's rugby union (Sarfu).

The South African sports minister and the head of the Olympic committee have demanded the resignations of leading figures in the country's rugby union (Sarfu).

Brian van Rooyen, head of Sarfu, has been criticised for not doing enough to encourage blacks into the national sport. He has also been dogged by allegations from his two deputies of mismanagement.

Makhenkesi Stofile, the sports minister, said yesterday that the public infighting had brought shame on the sport and the country. He has criticised Mr van Rooyen's resistance to selecting black players, saying that the French team is more cosmopolitan than South Africa.

Moss Mashishi, South Africa's Olympic boss, called on Mr van Rooyen and his management committee to resign by tomorrow and be replaced by nominees of the Olympic Committee.